Clubs ranked 7-12 have one or two double meetings with top-six sides, while those ranked 13-18 have no more than one meeting with top-six sides.

It means Essendon's draw will be easier than it would have been had they played finals.

The AFL Commission rejected ideas including conferences, a finals wildcard playoff between eighth and ninth spot, and a re-fixturing after the first 17 rounds.

The AFL Players Association backed the pre-season changes, the two byes and the early season start.

AFLPA executive Ian Prendergast said players were happy to have received two byes after heavy lobbying.

"The AFL Players' Association is extremely pleased with these outcomes and considers them a significant result for players and the game. We commend the AFL and the Commission for actioning these changes, which were strongly supported by players in their submissions,'' he said.

"In particular, players will appreciate the reduction of pre-season games, a second bye being delivered and the introduction of more transparency in determining the second round match ups for clubs.''

KEY FEATURESA 25-week season, with Round 1 split over March 14-16 and March 21-23.Two byes for all clubs, split over five weekends during the season.No NAB Cup final, with two pre-season games per team.A possible representative game in the pre-season, with players still discussing a format.A clash in Round 1 with the Melbourne Grand Prix.A weighting system where top-six teams have a tougher schedule.The 2014 AFL Grand Final on September 27.

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